For more than two decades, Maoist rebels have been fighting for communism in what is known as India’s "red corridor." On Tuesday, they struck another blow by killing at least 72 soldiers in an ambush in the isolated jungle area of the Dantewada district. Police say that the rebels opened fire and triggered explosives on troops that were simply on patrol. "Something has gone very wrong. They seem to have walked into a trap set by the [Maoists] and casualties are quite high," India's home minister told the BBC. India is in the midst of an anti-Maoist crackdown involving more than 50,000 police officers, but rebels have answered by stepping up attacks. Two days ago, rebels killed at least 10 other policemen when a police bus struck a landmine in the eastern part of the country.
CHEAT SHEET
TOP 10 RIGHT NOW
- 1
- 2
- 4
- 5
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10